On Monday 18 November, Age Concern Auckland proudly launched its South Asian Family and Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative, marking a significant step toward addressing family and sexual violence among older adults in South Asian communities. This pioneering project aims to tackle an often-overlooked issue through tailored interventions and widespread community engagement.
The launch event was held with enthusiasm and support from key stakeholders, including officials from the Ministry of Social Development, such as Samira Ghoreishi, Senior Advisor for Ethnic Communities Violence Prevention, and Jennifer Janif, Senior Advisor for E Tū Whānau (Refugee & Migrant). Representatives from South Asian organizations, the ethnic wing of New Zealand Police, Auckland Council, Whau Local Board, and the District Health Board were also present, underscoring the collaborative spirit of this initiative.

Central to the program are elder abuse prevention presentations and workshops designed to foster intergenerational awareness and understanding. These sessions aim to empower participants across all age groups, creating a platform for open dialogue and education. Additionally, the initiative will gather feedback to inform its strategies and produce podcast episodes, enabling deeper exploration of critical issues brought up during the workshops.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to supporting ethnic communities and expanding our services to ensure that older adults feel safe, valued, and protected,” said Kevin Lamb, CEO of Age Concern Auckland. His statement highlights the organization’s dedication to fostering a safer environment for older adults, particularly within culturally diverse communities.A heartfelt acknowledgment was given to the project leads, Jyoti Parashar, Elder Abuse Response Social

Worker, and Aatir Zaidi, Social Connections Manager, whose expertise and dedication have been vital in bringing the initiative to fruition. Special thanks were also extended to Kai Quan, Interventions Manager, for her guidance and support throughout the project’s development.
By addressing the specific challenges faced by South Asian older adults, Age Concern Auckland continues to set a precedent in community-centred care. This initiative not only addresses family and sexual violence but also promotes inclusivity and safety within Auckland’s growing ethnic population.
For more information on this initiative and Age Concern Auckland’s services, visit their website https://www.ageconcernauckland.org.nz/ or follow their updates on social media https://www.facebook.com/ageconcernauck/.-TIN Bureau